I hate to say it but it seems that many young Canadians are a lot of talk and not so much action when it comes to working and studying abroad. With less than 3% of Canadian university graduates having participated in a study abroad program (versus 18% – 38% in the US, UK and Australia)*, Canada falls significantly behind other countries. That being said, I believe that if Canadian students knew more about their options to work and study in Europe, Asia and South America, they would go.
Canada is much-loved throughout the world and many countries have opened their doors to our youth through working holiday and professional internship programs. The chart below details exactly which European countries offer internship, professional and working holiday visas to Canadians. These 3 types of visas are offered under the International Experience Canada Program and are available to Canadian citizens age 18 – 35. So whether you want to gain professional international work experience to better compete in a global economy, supplement your travel experiences with temporary work abroad or acquire valuable overseas work experience related to your studies, there is definitely an adventure in Europe waiting for you!
Where do you plan to go this year?
Would love to hear about your work and study abroad plans in the comments below!
| Working Holiday Visa | Young Professionals Visa | International Co-op Visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | No | Yes | Yes |
| Belgium | Yes | No | No |
| Croatia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Czech Republic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Denmark | Yes | No | No |
| Estonia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| France | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Germany | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Italy | Yes | No | No |
| Latvia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lithuania | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Netherlands | Yes | Yes | No |
| Norway | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Poland | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slovakia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Slovenia | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spain | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sweden | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Switzerland | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ukraine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
.
Haha, well, at least the Canadians that venture out are pretty sure to let everyone know they are in fact Canadians and NOT Americans with their little flags plastered all over their bags!
People still do that, eh?